Optimizing Polymer-Stabilized Raw Earth Composites with Plant Fibers Reinforcement for Historic Building Rehabilitation
Souad Menadi,
Yazid Hadidane,
Mohammed Benzerara,
Messaoud Saidani,
Morteza Khorami,
Redjem Belouettar,
Fayçal Slimani,
Nadia Gouider,
Souhila Rehab-Bekkouche
Affiliations
Souad Menadi
Civil Engineering Laboratory (LGC), Faculty of Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, Badji Mokhtar—Annaba University, P.O. Box 12, Annaba 23000, Algeria
Yazid Hadidane
Civil Engineering Laboratory (LGC), Faculty of Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, Badji Mokhtar—Annaba University, P.O. Box 12, Annaba 23000, Algeria
Mohammed Benzerara
Materials Geomaterials and Environment Laboratory (LMGE), Faculty of Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, Badji Mokhtar—Annaba University, P.O. Box 12, Annaba 23000, Algeria
Messaoud Saidani
Research Institute of Clean Growth and Future Mobility, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
Morteza Khorami
Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing, School of Energy, Construction and Environment, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
Redjem Belouettar
Civil Engineering Laboratory (LGC), Faculty of Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, Badji Mokhtar—Annaba University, P.O. Box 12, Annaba 23000, Algeria
Fayçal Slimani
Civil Engineering Laboratory (LGC), Faculty of Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, Badji Mokhtar—Annaba University, P.O. Box 12, Annaba 23000, Algeria
Nadia Gouider
Civil Engineering Laboratory (LGC), Faculty of Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, Badji Mokhtar—Annaba University, P.O. Box 12, Annaba 23000, Algeria
Souhila Rehab-Bekkouche
Materials Geotechnics Housing and Urbanism Laboratory (LMGHU), Department of Civil Engineering, University 20 Août 1955 Skikda, P.O. Box 26, Skikda 21000, Algeria
This research focuses on the optimization of formulation, characterization, and damage analysis of plant fiber-reinforced polyester resin composites (jute and date palm). To better understand the characteristics and mechanical behavior of these materials, this study investigates the influence of resin content and plant fibers on the physico-mechanical behavior of the resin composites. Resinous composites consisting of polyester resin and raw earth were studied using a novel formulation based on an empirical method that follows the principle of earth saturation with polyester resin. Saturation was achieved with a 28% content of polyester resin, which appeared to be an optimal blend for the earth–resin composite. Plant fibers were randomly incorporated as reinforcement in the composites at various percentages (1%, 2%, and 3%) and lengths (0.5 cm, 1 cm, and 1.5 cm). Mechanical tests including bending, compression, and indentation were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the composites. Analysis of fracture morphology revealed that the deformation and rupture mechanisms in bending, compression, and indentation of these composites differ from those of traditional concrete and cement mortar. The obtained results indicate that the composites exhibit acceptable performance and could be favorably employed in the rehabilitation of historic buildings.
